Farm News and Notes

Intermediate Beekeeping program offered

A four-hour Intermediate Beekeeping program will be offered 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 3 and 10 for individuals with some experience or knowledge of beekeeping. Classes will be held at UW-Fond du Lac.

Classes will be taught by local veteran beekeepers Earl Jewett, Hank Miller and Denise Palkovich. The intermediate program will focus on keeping hives healthy through integrated pest management, swarm management and applying current research. At least one year of beekeeping is a mandatory pre-requisite for the intermediate course.

Cost for the program is $22 per person. Special pricing is available for family couples and middle school through college students. Participants must pre-register by mail or in person by March 29. Checks should be made payable to UW-Extension and mailed to: UWEX Beekeeping Program, 400 University Dr., Fond du Lac, WI 54935. For more information call 929-3171.

Waupun FFA Banquet set

WAUPUN - The Waupun FFA Banquet will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 11, at Waupun Area High School. Following the meal, guests will have the opportunity to purchase one of 11 FFA members to perform chores over an eight-hour period. Other items will be auctioned off as well. The event will also recognize the contributions and achievements of FFA members and supporters. For more information or reservations, call 324-5591 by April 4. Tickets are $12 per person.

Consumers feeling food price inflation

WASHINGTON - Food prices are going up, at least slightly, and according to the latest polling data, consumers are well aware of the trend. While the global food price index remained flat this month, according to the United Nations, Americans are increasingly aware of, and concerned about, food price inflation.

According to a survey conducted by public opinion mainstay Rasmussen Reports, 85 percent of American adults said they are paying more for groceries than they were a year ago. Only 9 percent said they were paying less; Rasmussen said most of the 1,000 adults surveyed March 11-12 believe they'll pay even more for food next year and are concerned about inflation.

USDA pesticide survey finds no problems in milk

WASHINGTON - The most recent national government survey looking for pesticide residues in foods found virtually no positive levels in milk, and none that exceeded government tolerance levels, according to the National Milk Producers Federation. USDA conducts an annual Pesticide Data Program survey to test various food commodities for pesticide residues.

Each year, USDA and the Environmental Protection Agency jointly determine which commodities to test. In 2011, USDA collected 743 whole milk samples in 10 of the largest states, mostly at the retail level. Overall, only five of the milk samples showed any presence of pesticide residue and all were lower than EPA-established tolerances for those compounds.

Wisconsin tops at U.S. Cheese Contest

GREEN BAY - Wisconsin dairy plants not only dominated the U.S. Championship Cheese Contest in Green Bay, they literally creamed the competition. Marieke Penterman of Holland's Family Cheese in Thorp was named the winner of the 17th biennial event with her Gouda cheese entry.